One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

4 servings | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 28 min

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta image

Pantry pasta where noodles simmer directly in a garlicky tomato broth finished with cream and basil.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3½ cups water or low-sodium stock
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra to serve)
  • Grated Parmesan, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a wide pot, sauté onion and garlic in oil 2–3 min.
  2. Add tomatoes, water/stock, salt, pepper, pepper flakes; bring to a lively simmer.
  3. Add spaghetti (break in half if needed). Simmer, stirring often, 10–12 min until al dente and liquid reduces.
  4. Stir in cream and basil; simmer 1–2 min. Adjust seasoning; serve with Parmesan.

AI Twist

Add 2 tsp miso paste with the tomatoes for umami and finish with a knob of butter.

Nutrition

Estimated values per serving.